I had the check in hand for a beautiful $85,000 custom tiny home from a local carpenter. I called my insurance broker to bind the policy before towing it home, and he asked for one thing: “Send me a photo of the RVIA or NOAH seal by the door.” When I told him there wasn’t one because it was a “custom build,” the line went dead silent before he said, “I can’t insure a pile of lumber on wheels.”
Key Takeaways
- Seals are the Golden Ticket: Without a certification seal (NOAH, RVIA, or Pacific West), 95% of major carriers will reject you immediately.
- “Custom” = “Risk”: Insurers cannot tear open walls to check wiring. The seal is their only proof that the electrical and plumbing meet safety codes.
- Retroactive Certification is Hard: You generally cannot get an RVIA seal after the build is done. NOAH offers remote inspections, but doing it on a finished house involves opening walls.
- The “Lloyd’s” Loophole: If you are uncertified, you are likely forced into the “Surplus Lines” market (like Lloyd’s of London), paying double the premium for half the coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Verification of Workmanship.”
In 2026, AI underwriting models punish uncertainty. A tiny home with a NOAH (National Organization of Alternative Housing) seal is data-coded as a “Certified Dwelling.” A tiny home without one is data-coded as a “Homemade Trailer.”
Standard carriers like Foremost or American Modern rely on these third-party inspectors to assume the liability. If a fire starts behind a wall, the certification proves it wasn’t gross negligence in the build. Without that proof, the insurer assumes the worst: faulty wiring, no fuses, and imminent disaster.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Paths)
I spent a week trying to insure a non-certified tiny home.
Foremost / American Modern
- The Response: Hard No.
- The Policy: They strictly require RVIA or a commercial manufacturer VIN. If the VIN returns as “Homemade” or “Utility Trailer,” their system auto-declines liability and physical damage coverage for a dwelling.
Strategic Insurance Agency (The Specialist)
- The Response: Possible, but expensive.
- The Solution: They have access to specific underwriters (often MAC or Lloyd’s) who might write uncertified builds.
- The Catch: They required a generic “Electrical Safety Inspection” from a licensed local electrician. Cost me $300 for the electrician to come out and sign a letter.
State Farm
- The Response: “Contents Only.”
- The Trap: The agent offered to insure my personal property (laptop, clothes) but refused to insure the structure itself. If it burned down, I’d get money for my jeans, but $0 for the house.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of a holographic NOAH certification seal on a tiny home door jamb]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Certified (NOAH/RVIA) | Uncertified (DIY/Custom) |
| Annual Premium | ~$800 – $1,200 | ~$1,800 – $3,000 |
| Carrier Options | Multiple (Foremost, etc.) | Limited (Surplus Lines) |
| Deductible | Standard ($500) | High ($2,500+) |
| Financing | Available | Cash Only (usually) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Demand Certification Before Buying: If you are buying from a builder, put it in the contract: “Sale contingent on NOAH or RVIA certification.” Do not close without it.
- The “Voluntary Inspection”: If you already own it, hire a local licensed electrician and plumber to inspect and sign off on the systems on their company letterhead. This isn’t a seal, but it satisfies some brokers.
- Call a Specialist Broker: Do not call Geico. Call Strategic Insurance Agency or TinyHomePolicy.com. They are the only ones with the “Uncertified” markets on speed dial.
- Register as a “Travel Trailer”: Ensure your DMV registration says “House Trailer” or “Travel Trailer,” not “Homemade Utility Trailer.” The registration code matters.
FAQ
Can I buy a sticker on eBay?
No. That is fraud. If you slap a fake RVIA sticker on a DIY build and file a claim, the adjuster will check the serial number. When it doesn’t exist in the RVIA database, your claim is denied and you could face legal action.
Does NOAH certify DIY builds?
Yes, but you have to do it during the build. You pay for membership and upload videos of each stage (framing, wiring, closing).
Is Pacific West acceptable?
Yes, usually. Pacific West Associates (PWA) is a common alternative to RVIA for custom builders. Most insurers accept it.